Modifications planned for Atlas V SLC-41 Pad and SLS Mobile Launcher

November 8, 2012 by Chris Bergin

United Launch Alliance (ULA) have recruited Hensel Phelps to design the modifications to their Atlas V pad at Space Launch Complete 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral ahead of hosting human rated vehicles. The Orlando company previously constructed the Ares Mobile Launcher (ML), which is also set to be modified to host the Space Launch System (SLS).

Atlas V Pad Modifications:

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) are currently planning to launch two commercial spacecraft to destinations such as the International Space Station via their reliable Atlas V rocket – namely Boeing’s CST-100 and SNC’s Dream Chaser, both of which are currently under development within NASA’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) program.

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To meet these challenges, ULA have selected Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Orlando to provide program management contractor support to the efforts, resulting in a 21-month effort to work on the the management of the design, requirements development, cost and schedule projections, and risk mitigation for modifications to the launch facilities for commercial crew operations.

“Hensel Phelps brings significant experience working major construction projects including the original construction for Atlas V at SLC-41, as well as Atlas modifications at SLC-3 in California,” said Dr. George Sowers, ULA vice president of Human Launch Services.

“We look forward to working with Hensel Phelps to take the next steps in launching crew from SLC-41 and providing safe and reliable crew launch services as early as 2015.”

Hensel Phelps will assist with the design and development of the crew access tower and the crew access arm which will provide access to the commercial crew space vehicle for cargo and crew loading.

“Hensel Phelps is excited about teaming with ULA and their partners on the modifications of SLC-41,” said Kirk Hazen, vice president of Hensel Phelps. “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the next generation of human space flight.”

The project – which could ultimately create 250-300 much-needed skilled aerospace and construction jobs in Brevard County – already has a number of notional views into what the pad modifications may eventually look like, such as the access tower elevator to a platform deck, allowing the astronauts to walk to the hatch of the spacecraft prior to ingress.

The announcement, not least on the new jobs, was welcomed by NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango.

“One year after the Space Shuttle Program, American companies are making critical progress on modern spacecraft and rockets that will enable the next generation of human spaceflight,” Mango said.

“NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is fostering new national capabilities for spacecraft, launch vehicles, flight operations and ground operations to achieve safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit. These advances will enable a launch of astronauts from U.S. soil in the next five years.

“Companies like ULA and their subcontractors in the Space Coast and around the nation are creating the high-skill, good-paying jobs that will ensure continued American leadership in space and the growth of the greatest aerospace industry in the world.”

The company will also work on the Emergency Egress System (EES) that will provide the flight crew and support personnel with a method to quickly evacuate in the unlikely event of a contingency event and a safe haven which will provide a safe environment for the crew and support personnel until they can be evacuated to another location.

“We have the option of implementing a shuttle-like slide wire system, if required.”

Ares ML to SLS ML:

The ML – designed by RS&H (base and structure), along with ASRC Aerospace Corporation (prop systems etc.) – consists of the main support structure that comprises the base, tower and facility ground support systems, which include power, communications, conditioned air, water for cooling, wash-down, and was designed with ignition over-pressure protection in mind.

Hensel Phelps engineers worked on the structure at the mobile launcher park site area just north of the VAB, with trestles and girders arriving by barge in February of 2009, beginning the opening phase of work to create a base platform – one which is lighter than the current Mobile Launch Platforms (MLPs) that used to host the Space Shuttle.

With the giant Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT), the total weight of the structure is around 9.5 million pounds, compared to the 8.2 million pounds for just the Shuttle’s MLP.

Fabrication of the 345-foot LUT begin in May of 2009, in preparation for being placed on top of the ML’s platform as the LUT’s base, prior to the addition of nine additional sections via a giant crane at the build site.

The Installation of the first section was conducted on September 24, followed by a second section on October 15, a third on October 27, a fourth and fifth section in November, a sixth and seventh in December, followed by the final three sections, resulting all 10 sections being installed by January 28, 2010

As such KSC managers have now sent out a request for information about potential sources for the labor, equipment, and materials to deconstruct and modify the existing Mobile Launcher for SLS – work that will be carried out at the ML Park Site 3 near the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).

“The work consists of removal and storage of existing system components, equipment, and materials for reuse/reinstallation; demolition of system components and structure not to be reused; modification of structural elements and installation of new structural elements; reinstallation of salvaged equipment and materials, and installation of new systems, equipment, and materials,” noted the information.

“Heavy structural demolition and construction is to be performed on approximately half of the existing ML base (MLB). Temporary foundations and shoring will be required to support the remaining MLB and ML tower (MLT) structure during deconstruction/demolition and reconstruction.

The information added that modifications to the MLT Electrical Equipment Rooms include removal and modification of Air Conditioning ductwork, and electrical and communication cable trays, and relocation of lighting fixtures.

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